Road Upgrades & Fixes via Forest Management Since 2020: Reducing Sediment and Restoring WatershedsIn the world of forest restoration, some of the most important work doesn't happen among the trees—it occurs on the roads that weave through them.Since 2020, the Redwood Forest Foundation (RFF) has upgraded and repaired over 39 miles of forest roads within the Usal Redwood Forest, dramatically reducing erosion, improving water quality, and protecting the sensitive salmon-bearing streams that flow through this rugged, ecologically rich landscape.These upgrades have prevented an estimated 19,186 cubic yards of sediment—roughly the equivalent of 1,500 dump trucks—from washing into creeks, rivers, and spawning beds. It's a massive leap forward for both forest health and downstream ecosystems.Why Roads Matter in Forest EcosystemsWhile they may seem secondary to the trees and wildlife, roads in forested landscapes can have outsized ecological impacts. Poorly designed or aging logging roads are a significant source of sediment pollution, especially during heavy rains or post-fire runoff.Sediment harms water quality, buries fish habitat, clogs culverts, and accelerates flooding. Excess sediment can mean the difference between a viable spawning site and a dead-end stream for endangered species like Coho salmon and steelhead trout.That's why modern, science-based road management is a cornerstone of RFF's sustainable forestry model. By fixing roads, we're protecting the very lifeblood of the forest—its water.What We've Done Since 2020Over the past four years, RFF has taken a proactive, watershed-wide approach to road upgrades in the Usal Redwood Forest. Key accomplishments include:*39 miles of road repaired or improved, with a focus on high-priority erosion zones*Culvert replacements and upgrades to handle larger storm events and fish passage*Outsloping and drainage improvements to reduce water concentration and runoff*Decommissioning of obsolete or harmful road segments to allow native vegetation to regrow*Use of best management practices to ensure all road work supports both forest operations and long-term ecological functionAll work is guided by watershed assessments, LiDAR mapping, and on-the-ground surveys, ensuring every fix is targeted, efficient, and ecologically meaningful.Results That Flow DownstreamThe measurable impact—19,186 cubic yards of sediment prevented from entering waterways—translates into real-world ecological gains:*Cleaner spawning grounds for salmon, steelhead, and aquatic insects*Healthier riparian vegetation, supported by stable streambanks*Improved water clarity for wildlife and downstream users*Greater climate resilience, as intact watersheds withstand fire, flood, and drought more effectivelyThese road improvements don't just support fish—they also protect the long-term productivity of the forest itself by reducing landslide risk, increasing access for fire crews, and preventing the costly failures that come with neglected infrastructure.Forest Management That Works for the Whole SystemAt RFF, we view sustainable forest management as more than just what happens during a harvest—it includes the entire landscape: trees, creeks, wildlife, and infrastructure.Our road upgrade work is a key part of this integrated strategy. It supports:*Our FSC® certification for responsible forestry*Our carbon offset project, by maintaining the ecological integrity of the forest*Our community forest model ensures long-term health and access*Our partnerships with state and federal agencies, which help fund and verify the impact of this workA Roadmap for RestorationLooking ahead, RFF plans to continue prioritizing road upgrades as a core component of forest stewardship. Our goals include:*Expanding the total number of improved miles across priority watersheds*Monitoring sediment reduction and ecological benefits with even more precision*Training local workers in road and watershed restoration techniques*Sharing our methods as a model for other forest owners and land trustsEach mile fixed is closer to a fully functioning, climate-resilient forest ecosystem.Travel the Better Path With UsRestoring a forest isn't just about what we plant—it's also about what we repair. The roads we fix today shape the health of the forest for decades to come.Learn more about our watershed restoration work, view before-and-after photos, or support future road improvement projects by visiting RFF.org/roads.Sometimes, the path to forest restoration starts on the road itself.
